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This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole started as my grandmother's recipe for busy weeknights and has become our ultimate comfort food. There's something magical about those layers of seasoned beef tender potatoes and melty cheese that makes everyone gather around the table. My kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma while it bakes.
Pure Comfort
What makes this casserole so special is how it brings people together. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel at home with every bite. I love making extra to share with friends who need a bit of comfort food in their lives.
What You'll Need
- Ground Beef: 1 lb, browned for a rich, savory base.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely diced to enhance the beef with subtle sweetness.
- Russet Potatoes: 4 large, thinly sliced for tender, creamy layers.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded for a melty, tangy topping.
- Condensed Cheddar Soup: 1 can, to create a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Evaporated Milk: 1 cup, for a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Milk: ½ cup, to enhance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp, for a gentle hint of garlic flavor.
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Let's Make It Together
- Get Started
- Heat up that oven and prep your baking dish it's time to create some magic.
- Cook Your Base
- Brown that beef with onions getting all those flavors going.
- Build Those Layers
- Create beautiful layers of potatoes beef and cheese seasoning as you go.
- Make It Saucy
- Mix up your creamy sauce and pour it over everything.
- Bake to Perfection
- Let it get all bubbly and golden in the oven.
Keep It Fresh
Leftovers stay delicious for several days in the fridge and they reheat beautifully. I often make two casseroles at once freezing one for those busy nights when we need a comforting meal.
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Make It Your Own
This recipe is so flexible. Sometimes I use ground turkey for a lighter version or add different cheeses based on what I have. My kids love when I sneak in some colorful vegetables making it even more nutritious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add extra baking time if cooking from cold.
- → Why slice potatoes to ¼ inch?
- This thickness ensures potatoes cook through properly while maintaining their shape. Thinner slices may break down, thicker ones won't cook fully.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Yes, any good melting cheese works. Try Colby Jack or a mixture of cheeses for variety.
- → Why cover with foil while baking?
- Foil prevents the top from browning too quickly while allowing the potatoes to cook through. Remove it at the end for browning.
- → How do I know it's done?
- Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a knife, sauce should be bubbling, and top should be golden brown.